My treatment philosophy is to provide high quality, compassionate, and patient centered care.

Throughout my career at BU Medical Center and South Shore Health, I have divided my time between healthcare administration and direct patient care. Administratively, I have focused on medical education, patient safety and quality improvement. However, my true passion for medicine is driven by the bonds I build with my patients and caring for them throughout life. 

William Tollefsen, MD is the EMS and MIH Medical Director for South Shore Health. Dual-boarded in Emergency Medicine and EMS Medicine, Dr. Tollefsen works clinically as an Emergency Physician at South Shore Health in addition to his role as EMS Medical Director.

One of few physicians in the country to receive the prestigious "FAEMS" recognition, Dr. Tollefsen is also the Medical Director for OEMS Region IV, serving 61 cities and towns of the Metro-Boston EMS Council. As the current EMS Medical Director for eight municipal and three private ambulance services on the South Shore, Dr. Tollefsen interacts and provides oversight for over 400 Paramedics.

Dr. Tollefsen graduated from New York Medical College and completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's, and Massachusetts General Hospital. He completed a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services and Critical Care Transport at the University of Massachusetts, where he worked as an Emergency Physician and Flight Physician for UMASS LifeFlight. He completed an MBA at the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst, and holds a Master of Medical Science degree from the Boston University School of Medicine.

A former pre-hospital provider, he is actively involved in EMS system design, paramedic education and Critical Care Transport Systems. He works closely with multiple EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement agencies throughout Massachusetts.

His research interests include systems of care, resuscitation, airway management, and paramedic education.

My mission is to provide patient-centered care allowing our patients to access trustworthy and well-informed care.

My personal philosophy in life is to be kind and compassionate. My background is in adult-gerontology and neurosurgery. I aim to create patient-centered relationships where my patients feel comfortable disclosing any concerns. In addition, I aim to provide open communication. Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at a local nursing home and a local food bank, and performing in an dance group in ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. I also enjoy hiking and exploring local trails.

I chose to become a primary care physician because I cherish the long-term relationships I establish with my patients. I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and families at all stages of their lives. I believe listening is as important as speaking. I see my role as an educator, sharing my knowledge and helping patients translate that into healthy habits for the prevention and management of chronic illness. 

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling near and far with my husband and three children.

I received my undergraduate degree from Harvard University. I completed my medical degree at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden, NJ. My surgical and urological residency took place at the State University of New York Health Science Center in Brooklyn, NY. I am certified with the American Board of Urology and am passionate about providing high quality patient care in a compassionate environment.

I grew up in Scituate and am a proud graduate of Scituate High School.  After graduating from Harvard-Radcliffe, I continued doing another year of diabetes research at Massachusetts General Hospital, then did two years of breast cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  I graduated from the Boston University School of Medicine, went to UMass Worcester for residency, graduated from the Harvard School of Public Health, and then went to Brown for residency.  I began working at South Shore Medical Center in 2008.  I especially enjoy seeing patients who knew my father, a police officer in Scituate for 29 years and hearing their stories about him.  I try to motivate, encourage and work with my patients and it is an honor and a privilege to be able to care for them.  Outside of work, I love dancing, playing frisbee, and spending time with my family. 

My mission is to provide exceptional care to hematology and oncology patients, and support patients and their families when they are at their most vulnerable. 

It is a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to establish meaningful, long-term relationships with my patients and their families. I believe in open, honest communication and a patient-centered model when formulating a treatment plan. I look forward to supporting my patients not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spin classes, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.